what are the white spots that form on the bottom of maple branches

Answers

Those white spots at the bottom of the branches could possibly the be first sign of verticillium wilt, which is the most deadly disease to trees. It is a fungus that attacks the tree roots and works it way up. In fact, almost always, verticillium wilt kills trees in short periods of time. One of the main ways to distinguish this disease is to see if the leaves look brown or scorched. If so, then it is most likely verticillium wilt and should be treated immediately. If not, then the white spots might not be anything serious.